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To quote Sheldon Cooper, comic books are sequential art being used to tell a story. It is the oldest form of storytelling and dates back to cave paintings (though Batman is more recent ) I know several people don't like comics as an art form, but I'm going to make a few recommendations based on my readings that are for a more adult audience. I'll also list a lot of things about each because some involve a lot of adult subject matter including harsh language and morally ambiguous situations.
Y: The Last Man: This is a rather odd one. Brian K. Vaughan is someone I revere as a writer and I'll be recommending more by him, but this one is rough on people who aren't prepared for it. The story itself is intriguing. All in one instant all men in the world die off except one dorky kid and his pet monkey. The only males left on earth, he is being rushed to a scientist who has illegally worked in cloning and he is now humanity's last hope. This story is beautiful and amazing, and the art is wonderful, but those who are staunch on their morals might be put off by some of the harder aspects of the story. The characters occasionally use harsh language, and some of the women in the story are very open about the fact that since there are only women left women are their only option romantically. If you can handle both of these things then this series is a must read. Its amazing and the main character's journey is tragic, funny, happy, and confusing all at the same time.
Ex Machina: This is the story of a superhero (in-universe he's the only one in the world) who runs for mayor of New York and wins. Its more of a political thriller, but there is plenty of action. The man's ability is being able to converse with machines. Any machines. Machines like microwaves, planes, phones, and other such devices. The ins and outs of the series keep it going, and while there is some harsh language there is a lot less than my previous suggestion and there is no other issue with the series that might put someone off from enjoying it. This is by the same author, and while its not as good it shows some maturity in writing.
Watchmen: Come on guys, you only have to read 12 issues and you can have participated in the most celebrated graphic novel of all time. This story has everything to it. Its deep, its wrought with easter eggs (look at all the clocks in the story), and the characters are layered and built to be connected with. It reveals a layer of humanity that we don't often get to see and pretend isn't there, but its there. Ugly, brutal, and at times beautiful, this series has an ending that will mess you up (though most have had it spoiled in a way by the film). Alan Moore knows what he's doing, and I urge you to read this one above all others.
The Umbrella Academy: This one is a bit different. Its about several children, all born at once, who are 'collected' by a rich old man and trained as superheroes to defend the world. They are dark, dangerous, and intricate. They grow up knowing they aren't related and some resent others for it, others love them through it, and overall they save the world twice. Its outstanding and for a comic written by a rookie its gotten through two arcs just beautifully.
For Star Wars comics you guys know what the good ones are. Legacy, KOTOR, and of course the new Dawn of the Jedi are all great titles (Dawn is only one issue in but the art is amazing and I love the setup so I'm plugging it). The titles I've listed are not for anyone too young to understand them (decide for yourselves) and stories that are deeper than you may have read in comics before. If there's enough interest I can recommend more comics as well, but I urge you to at least try one or so of these. _________________ Perfection is a lifelong pursuit requiring sacrifice. The only way to get it quicker is to sacrifice the most.
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